Museum Vaals
Museum of religious art in the neo-Romanesque convent chapel of 1908, with more than 200 neo-Gothic saint figures, devotional objects and Gregorian chant.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Museum Vaals opened in April 2009 in the former convent chapel on the De Esch estate in Vaals, about two kilometers from the Dreiländerpunkt (Three-Countries Point). It was opened by tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher and the Roermond auxiliary bishop Everard de Jong; it later received the innovation prize of VVV Zuid-Limburg.
The neo-Romanesque chapel was built in 1908 for the Camillians and adjoins the manor house "De Esch" from 1730, which served as a monastery from 1890. On November 16, 1944, a German V-1 hit the chapel hard; the new stained-glass windows and murals were created by the Vaals artist Frans Griesenbrock, and the chapel was restored by 1947. In 1995 it was declared a Rijksmonument (national monument). The last Mass was held on March 25, 2007; afterwards the chapel was released from liturgical use and given a new purpose as a museum.
On display are more than 200 church and convent figures from the neo-Gothic period (1850–1920), made of plaster, terracotta and wood, including around 150 different saints, between one and three and a half meters tall. Devotional objects such as holy water fonts, crosses, memorial cards and religious prints are also shown. Gregorian chant plays as visitors walk through the nave; at the end, each visitor receives information about their patron saint and the meaning of their first name. In the nearly two-hectare park there are more saint figures, Stations of the Cross and a Marian chapel.
Highlights
- More than 200 church and convent figures of the neo-Gothic period (1850–1920)
- Neo-Romanesque convent chapel from 1908 (Rijksmonument)
- Gregorian chant while walking through the nave
- Information about your personal patron saint and the meaning of your first name
- Convent park with saint figures, Stations of the Cross and a Marian chapel
- Museum café De Zwarte Madonna across the park
Permanent exhibitions
- Heiligenfiguren der Neugotik – More than 200 church and convent figures in the convent chapel; the selection is regularly changed with objects from the depot.
- Devotionalien – Holy water fonts, crosses, memorial cards and religious prints that recall Catholic family life in earlier times.
- Kloosterpark mit Heiligenfiguren – A walk through the nearly two-hectare park with Stations of the Cross and a Marian chapel.
- Founded
- 2009
- Operated by
- Stichting Museum Vaals
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €2.50Children up to and including age 11 pay €2.50. |
| Groups | –Group prices and packages on request. |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
According to the museum, the main rooms are easy to reach; for special needs, please contact the museum in advance.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
Museum visitors park in the museum's inner courtyard.
The museum is about 2 km from the Dreiländerpunkt (Three-Countries Point).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Restaurant
Museum café De Zwarte Madonna in the park opposite the museum (seating for more than 60 guests, terrace), serving coffee, tea, Limburg vlaai, lunch and dinner.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum welcomes bus groups, parishes, clubs, schools and cultural groups; guided tours and group visits by appointment by phone or email. |
